Why winning in four games could be a huge advantage for the Blue Jays in the ALCS

The Blue Jays defeated the New York Yankees in Game 4, 5-2, and went on to win the series 3-1. They now sit and watch Game 5 of the Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners on Friday Night. With the ALCS beginning Sunday, the Blue Jays may have gained a huge advantage by wrapping up their series a game early.

Why winning in four games could be a huge advantage for the Blue Jays in the ALCS

There is a significant advantage for the Blue Jays in avoiding a fifth game in the ALDS. That advantage is starting pitching. Even though both Kevin Gausman and Trey Yesavage were said to be available in what was a bullpen game in Game 4, they wouldn't be needed as the bullpen locked down the Yankees, and the offense stayed hot. Gausman and Yesavage will be slotted into Games 1 and 2 on Sunday and Monday.

Where the Blue Jays' advantage comes in, is in Friday’s Game 5 on the other side of the ALDS, the Tigers and Mariners are both slotting in their aces, Tarik Skubal and George Kirby. Whichever team wins, their ace likely won't pitch until Game 3 on four days' rest. However, that puts them in a position to be available for Game 7 if necessary.

So Game 1 will likely pit Gausman against either Jack Flaherty (Tigers) or Luis Castillo (Mariners). This possible matchup gives the Blue Jays a slight advantage in grabbing the first-game win.

The Blue Jays have faced both Flaherty and Castillo twice this season, although the Blue Jays have fared better against Castillo. Flaherty faced the Blue Jays on May 16 and July 27 this season. He threw 5.2 and 6 innings, respectively, allowed five hits in each, struck out 13 combined, and allowed two earned runs in the first game, which came off a Daulton Varsho two-run home run in the bottom of the sixth inning.

The Blue Jays saw Castillo twice as well, on April 20 and May 9. He went five innings in both games and combined to give up 17 hits, eight earned runs, and eight strike outs. Nathan Lukes hit a home run off of him in the second game.

The Blue Jays do have three days of rest as well, and a team that has had some injury concerns, it's a big three days. Bo Bichette’s status is still uncertain, but he is trending in the right direction. He has started jogging without a knee brace. It's highly unlikely that Bichette is ready for the ALCS. However, the Blue Jays' offense has recovered from their collapse over the last few weeks of the season.

The Blue Jays put up 34 runs over the four games in the ALDS, including nine home runs. The Blue Jays definitely hold the advantage offensively, regardless of who they play in the ALCS. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was unreal, hitting .529/.550/1.059 with three home runs and nine RBIs.

The Blue Jays have also gotten massive contributions from the support guys. Ernie Clement hit .643/.625/.929 with a homer and 5 RBIs, and Lukes hit .333/.333/.500 with five RBIs.

So the Blue Jays could jump out to a 2-0 lead before either opposing team can utilize their ace. Although the Mariners have a better starting rotation than the Tigers, Castillo and Logan Gilbert will be formidable pitchers.

However, the way the Blue Jays disposed of Max Fried and Carlos Rodon, no opposing pitchers should scare Blue Jays fans in thinking they can shut down the Blue Jays’ hot offense.